Skip Fire Control System Transient Dynamics Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skip fire control systems for engines do not effectively account for transient dynamics during transitions between firing patterns, leading to suboptimal engine efficiency due to prolonged operation in inefficient regions before reaching a target firing pattern.
Innovation Solution
A skip fire control system that utilizes sensors to measure engine operating parameters and sub-system operational states, including a torque converter clutch, transmission, and other components, to determine the best firing pattern or fraction by considering transition losses and penalties, using a controller that can employ calibratable look-up tables or physics-based models to maximize engine efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional skip fire control selects target firing pattern based on minimized pumping losses (MAP), then engine efficiency is improved under steady-state conditions, but transient transitions to target firing pattern are prolonged due to other sub-system dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively adjusts operational states of affected sub-systems (TCC, transmission, camshaft, throttle valve, valvetrain) before the firing pattern transition is complete, or even anticipates the need for transition, so that these sub-systems are already in or near their target states when the firing pattern change occurs. This preliminary action reduces the overall transition time and minimizes the period of inefficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational states of multiple sub-systems in coordination with the firing pattern transitions, rather than treating them as static or independent. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts TCC slip, transmission gear, camshaft position, throttle valve opening, and valvetrain configuration based on real-time engine operating conditions and predicted transition requirements, enabling adaptive optimization during transient phases.
2Loss of energy
If the controller accounts for multiple sub-system operational states and transition losses, then the best firing pattern selection for maximum efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously manages firing pattern selection, monitors multiple sub-system operational states (TCC, transmission, camshaft, throttle valve, valvetrain), predicts transition losses, and executes coordinated control actions. This universal controller consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems, achieving comprehensive efficiency optimization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the controller monitors actual operational states of all affected sub-systems, compares them against target states, and adjusts control commands in real-time. Sensors provide feedback on TCC slip, transmission gear position, camshaft angle, throttle valve opening, and valvetrain configuration, enabling the controller to adaptively optimize firing pattern transitions and minimize transition losses while maintaining manageable control complexity through closed-loop regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A skip fire control system for an engine of a vehicle includes a set of sensors configured to measure a set of operating parameters of the engine corresponding to a volumetric efficiency of the engine, a set of sub-systems having a set of operational states that affect transitions between different firing patterns/fractions of the engine, and a controller configured to, based on the set of operating parameters and the set of operational states of the set of sub-systems, determine a best firing pattern/fraction by taking into account losses or penalties to transition at least some of the set of operational states of the set of sub-systems to obtain a target firing pattern/fraction, and control the engine based on the target firing pattern/fraction to maximize an efficiency of the engine.